Hello! My name is Ellie Acra and I am Miss Decatur County 2022, recently graced with the honor of being first runner up at the Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant. I was born and raised a Greensburg Pirate, then headed to Purdue University in 2020 to study communication. At Purdue, I concentrate on mass media and public relations, with minors in political science and human resources. I also spend my time as a philanthropy sponsorship chair and former chapter president of Zeta Tau Alpha, working as a communications intern for Purdue, and interning for political campaigns and government offices. From my leadership experiences in high school that led to skills I would need at Purdue, to my broad plan of study thanks to Greensburg High School’s dual credit partnerships, Decatur County has set me up for the success I’ve had the privilege to experience over the years.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the daughter of Kirk and Meredith Acra, two lifelong Decatur County residents. I have one younger sister, Lydia, who just joined me at Purdue where we have a whole new experience of fun together. We also have a german shepherd at home, Gretta. Though her bark can be heard across the neighborhood, she makes great use of my old tennis balls from high school. I am lucky to be surrounded by many relatives on both sides of my family who have supported and encouraged me my entire life. These people make me into who I am today.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Though I’ve had no “official” career yet, the piece I’ve loved most about any professional or personal experience I’ve had so far is the focus on community. This focus on community began evolving at a young age, with my relentless pursuit of increasing student involvement at games and events in high school. The activities I found myself in from student council at the high school to student board member at the United Fund all gave me one purpose: building community. That passion for community continued to evolve as I interned in the City of Greensburg Mayor’s Office, stepped into the role of president for my sorority, and told the stories of our county as a reporter at The 812. Nowhere has my love for community culminate most than in my time as Miss Decatur County. Getting to be a mentor and encourager for a community that consistently mentored and encouraged me is the greatest privilege.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My whole life- 21 years!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Larry McCamment. A close friend and a regular visitor in our garage, many of my life perspectives were formed in part by his constant commentary. Now whether that’s a good thing or not- I’ll let you decide! Despite the fact that a book could be written on Larry’s amusing quotes and stories, there are years of wisdom and experience behind it. Larry has been like a third grandpa to me, with his reminders to be smart, his witty advice, and his frequent jokes. I still carry around the Irish rosary he gave me at high school graduation.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
The beach. No reason in particular but to take a vacation from the busyness of the past year!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
It’s A Wonderful Life. As one of my dad’s favorite movies, it’s one of my favorite films to watch and provides an important reminder of what’s truly important.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Leading through service to others results in the most satisfying and successful outcomes. The foundation of my life is faith, and I truly believe the Lord created us to only find true fulfillment when our lives look beyond ourselves and to the lives of those around us. This perspective transformed my leadership and has allowed me to support my teams and communities from the ground up. Using the opportunities God grants you to serve others gives you purpose in both the everyday and the extraordinary.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
One item on my bucket list is to run a half marathon, and its something I’m currently working on with one of my friends at Purdue!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Pizza King. As a kid, we always ate at Pizza King before going to watch my Uncle Kyle coach the Chargers. As I got older, it became the spot to go with my friends after watching a Pirates win. There’s nothing like pizza and breadsticks after a ball game!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Kayleigh McEnany, former White House Press Secretary turned national news anchor and one of my role models! I would take her to The Branch for coffee and lunch, as it’s one of my favorite places for conversation.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I was actually asked this question in my interview at the State Fair Queen Pageant, and the first word that came to mind is celebrate. Throughout my reign as Miss Decatur County I have seen just how dedicated our community is to celebrating one another. We encourage each other consistently, share each other’s successes, and recognize each other’s unique life stories. This focus on celebration is what makes our community so special!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
After graduating, I plan to work in either political communication or political reporting, hopefully in Washington D.C. After that, I would like to bring my experiences back to Indiana and continue to make our state and community the best it can be. I also see a lot of family, friends, and travel in the next few years!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I used to be in a band. From second grade through fourth, my sister and our two neighbors, Kierra and Taylor, made up the group Summer Rock. We had a concert every Memorial Day Weekend and raised money for Type I Diabetes in honor of our friend Taylor. We actually won Decatur County’s Got Talent and were recognized at a Barnum and Bailey Circus, but my musical talents quickly faded. Taylor and I took the athletic route and proudly watched Kierra and Lydia’s excellence in their music endeavors from the audience!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Cabo San Lucas. I had the chance to go last year and it was stunning, but some of my favorite pictures I have are also from the sunset in my own backyard!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Without a doubt, July. From childhood on, my favorite two weeks of the year have been the 4th of July to through the fair, which happens to include my birthday. Those days make up the best days of the year!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom consistently inspires me to be better. I’ve been privileged to have her guidance not just as a mom, but as a coach as well. Her leadership has inspired my leadership, and I often find myself asking “What would my mom do?” when I face a difficult situation. Her love for her family, community, and faith inspire me to exemplify those same values in my life. She is the world’s best!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Support, strength, and celebration!
